Wests Tigers fullback James Tedesco has capped off a superb 2015 season after he was recognised for another achievement — this time off the field, as the 22-year-old was named in the NRL's Academic Team of the Year on Friday night.
Tedesco is currently completing a Heath and Exercise Science degree from the Australian Catholic University (since 2012), and has solid plans to utilise these qualifications to become a strength and conditioning coach or high school teacher after his football career.
The recognition caps off a wonderful year for Tedesco, who was a finalist in the Dally M Fullback of the Year category last Monday night, before being awarded Wests Tigers Player's Player and Members' Player of the Year Awards at the Club's Grand Final Lunch.
Departing forward Keith Galloway, who will link up with Leeds Rhinos in 2016, was also named in the Academic Team of the Year — currently studying a Certificate IV in Career Development from the Career Development Campus. Wests Tigers were one of just two clubs (along with the Dragons) to have two NRL players named in the Academic Team of the Year for 2015.
Utility forward Dene Halatau was also recognised on the night with an NRL Pasifika Academic Excellence Award, along with former Wests Tigers forward Bronson Harrison.
NRL ACADEMIC TEAM OF THE YEAR
